SHOPPING centres may not be the first thing we think of when contemplating ecological sustainability.
But as with homes and offices, there is a great push among progressive designers and builders to create shopping centres with the smallest possible environmental footprint.
In fact this is now true in regards to the whole built environment, such is the growing awareness of the need to use resources more efficiently and, in particular, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The $470million GPT development at Charlestown Square is a good example of what is now called ecologically sustainable development.
When complete in October, it will contain some groundbreaking energy- and water-saving features, with an overall aim to reduce its impact on the environment by 30per cent, compared to a typical NSW shopping centre.
Just try reducing your ecological footprint by 30per cent at home.
A large range of sustainable practices are being used, including using waste fly ash (from coal-fired power stations) in concrete, installing waterless urinals, using solar-thermal cooling, and subjecting materials to a life-cycle analysis to determine their environmental impact.
Energy
Rath er than using conventional coal-fired electricity, the new development has its own much cleaner three-megawatt natural gas-fired generators, with a greenhouse gas saving of about 50per cent compared with conventional electricity.
Even better, the gas generators will use co-generation technology. This means that heat from the generators, normally wasted, will be harnessed and used to help run the airconditioning system.
The gas generators should meet all the electricity needs of the new centre.
Similarly, solar energy will be harnessed with Australia’s first retail solar-thermal cooling plant, thanks to technology originally developed at the CSIRO in Newcastle.
A series of parabolic mirrors will be installed on the roof of the complex to concentrate and collect heat that, like the heat from the gas generators, will be sent to absorption chillers that will use it to make chilled water to run the airconditioning system (see diagram).
Moreover, the centre’s airconditioning needs will be lower than normal because it will use both mechanical and natural ventilation, depending on the weather.
Water
The development aims to achieve a 30per cent improvement in water efficiency compared with the average shopping centre.
This will be achieved through rainwater collection and reuse, the installation of water-efficient fixtures and waterless urinals.
Transport
Improved connectivity is being sought by working with Newcastle Buses on timetabling. New bus stops will be created on Pearson Street and Frederick Street.
Secure bicycle facilities will be available.
In the car parks, a system called “park assist” has been installed to easily indicate to drivers where parks are available, hopefully reducing unnecessary driving while searching for a park.
Tenants
All tenancy fit-out designs will be measured and assessed using an eco-footprint calculator. This should assist tenants to choose more ecologically sustainable designs.
It is encouraging to see such a large development adopting water- and energy-efficiency measures, and, in the case of the solar-thermal cooling plant, creating an Australian first for a retail development.
When complete in October, the centre expansion will create 1250 retail jobs.
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